Public health agencies warn of outbreaks related to drinking raw milk

View full sizeGazette fileThe FDA is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the Indiana State Health Department to investigate the outbreak of campylobacteriosis.KALAMAZOO — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has joined state health departments of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois to warn consumers of an outbreak of illness the agencies have associated with drinking raw milk.

At least 12 confirmed cases of campylobacteriosis have been reported recently in southeastern Michigan among consumers who drank raw milk originating from Forest Grove Dairy in Middlebury, Ind. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.

No cases have been reported in Kalamazoo County, according to Dr. Richard Tooker, chief medical officer for Kalamazoo County.

The FDA is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the Indiana State Health Department to investigate the outbreak.

Raw milk is unpasteurized milk from hoofed mammals; and may contain a wide variety of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria,and Campylobacter, that may cause illness and possibly death, the FDA advises. Raw milk is not available for commercial sale in Michigan, but because it is in demand by people who believe it tastes better and offers healthful components that can be destroyed by pastuerization, many dairies have offered "herd shares" that allow consumers to assume part ownership of the cows and drink the milk they produce.

Public health authorities, including the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have expressed concerns about the hazards of drinking raw milk for decades.

The FDA advises that symptoms of illness caused by various bacteria commonly found in raw milk and other foods may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and body ache. If consumers of raw milk are experiencing one or more of the symptoms after consuming raw milk or food products made from raw milk, they should contact their health care provider immediately, the FDA said.